“Unmasking the Shadows: How Politically Backed Terrorism is Shaking Nigeria’s Security”
A leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. George Agbakahi has attributed the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria to what he termed as terrorism supported by political interests.
Agbakahi asserted that the issue would be more effectively handled if the Federal Government pinpointed and prosecuted those funding terrorist operations nationwide.
He made these statements during a program on Arise Television, ‘Prime Time’, observed in Abuja over the weekend.
According to him, the insecurity in Nigeria predates the current administration, emphasizing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implemented significant measures to tackle the problem.
“You see, the problem of insecurity in Nigeria didn’t originate from the current administration. Indeed, the President is confronting insecurity directly,” Agbakahi stated.
He maintained that insecurity has become deeply entrenched in the nation but argued that the present administration has made substantial investments in bolstering the military.
“The President has made considerable efforts to address insecurity challenges. A significant amount of armaments and gear has been allocated to the Nigerian military, likely more than any other administration since 1999,” he added.
Agbakahi, who is also the South East Leader of the Tinubu Support Organization, TSO, referred to the ongoing security issues in parts of the North-East, especially in Borno State and Yobe State, labeling them as long-term problems rather than new occurrences.
He proposed that some acts of violence may be politically driven, while also praising the government’s initiatives to partner with foreign allies in combating insecurity.
On the wider national response, the APC leader emphasized that security should not be politicized, urging Nigerians from all political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds to come together against the menace.
“Insecurity doesn’t pertain to APC, nor to PDP or any other party. We implore all Nigerians, regardless of ethnic, political, or religious differences, to unite and collaborate,” he said.
Agbakahi further endorsed the Federal Government’s position against negotiating with terrorists, describing it as a tactical move to deter further assaults.
“The President has reiterated multiple times that he will not engage in negotiations with terrorists, which I believe is a move in the right direction because negotiating with them implies they can continue their activities,” he noted.
He underscored the significance of enhanced intelligence collection and distribution among security agencies, adding that cutting off financial support to terrorist factions remains crucial.
“I believe that thus far, the President has empowered the military. Another vital aspect is for the government to identify the sponsors—that’s how they acquire their funding. They don’t fundamentally get their money from external nations; they acquire it from Nigerians,” he stated.
“It’s crucial that we pinpoint and extinguish the sponsors. Once that connection is severed, it will significantly assist in addressing the insecurity situation,” Agbakahi asserted.
The APC Leader also commented on the importance of the proposed opposition coalition, particularly the partnership between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwanso regarding the 2027 presidential election.
Agbakahi suggested that the Obi-Kwankwaso partnership was destined to fail considering they are essentially regional figures.
“The question persists as to who will be the presidential candidate and the vice? What will be the stakes and influence of Atiku (Abubakar) and Amaechi (Chibuike Rotimi) in the political landscape since both have shown interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election?
“Tinubu overall still presents a better opportunity and is a more formidable candidate given his accomplishments and the uncoordinated nature of the opposition lacking an agenda and policy,” he concluded.
